Christmas will be here before you know it. And this year, as always, lots of communities around the nation will hold Christmas lighting contests. It's become a very popular Christmastime tradition. And though there's only one first-place winner for each contest, it's a win-win for everyone involved - the participants, the spectators, and the community at large. But if you're going to get in the game, you might as well play to win, which is why we’re offering some tips on how to win a Christmas decorating contest. Here are a few ideas for upping your game and crushing your enemies, er…well, let's make that outshining your neighbors.

No matter what kind of lights, displays and accessories you select for your contest-winning Christmas design, go with pro grade decorations from a supplier like Christmas Designers. Professional decorations provide superior brightness, color and quality than retail-grade supplies, helping you stand out from the competition every time.

Plan Your Game

When it’s time to unpack your selection of commercial Christmas decorations, you should have a clear plan before you just start stringing up lights. Create a detailed plan on paper (or pixels if you prefer) that maps out your space, your lights and other holiday decorations, and how you’ll bring this seasonal display to life.

Your site plan should detail your overall creative approach for colors and themes. But it should also include details such as what type of lights to use where, attachment hardware you'll use, accessories that'll be needed, etc.

Your site plan will serve as a road map during the installation process, keeping you on course to achieving your vision while you're dealing with the details of the installation process.

But use caution: when creating your site plan, it's easy to go overboard with the design. Don't fall into a Clark Griswold mindset thinking that more is always better.

The elegance of design, color coordination, and creative themes are far more likely to impress judges than over-the-top, garish displays.

Execute Your Christmas Decorations Plan with Precision

When it comes to winning your Christmas decorating contest, it’s all about the details of your holiday display. Install your Christmas string lights with the best precision you can manage. It truly does make a major difference.

When you're wrapping trees, for example, keep the wrap tight and evenly spaced. When you're installing perimeter lights along driveways, walkways, or property borders, keep the lines laser-straight (using proper Christmas light stakes is a must).

Be careful about the length of the light sets you use. People often have a tendency to use the longest light strings they can find for large installations. On the surface, it might seem to make sense to use long light strings when you have lots of ground to cover.

In reality, shorter strings are much easier to control. And the extra time required to install many short strings vs. a few long strings is minimal. An overall look of precision will be much easier to achieve with shorter light strings.

In general, sets that are no longer than 50 to 70 bulbs will be your best bet.

Safety First

Clark Griswold suffered several hair-raising close calls while installing his lighting in the popular movie Christmas Vacation. It ended well, of course, and he emerged from the project unscathed.

But that was a movie.

In real life, the risks that may be involved with undertaking your dream Christmas lighting project are all too real. And not the least bit comical. After all, climbing ladders and scampering around on steep-pitched, ice-slicked roofs can pose big-time risks for the unwary and the unprepared.

Make sure that you're using equipment that's in good shape and designed for the job. A proper ladder is a necessity. And proper shoes for rooftop work can make all the difference between safety or injury. (We recommend purpose-made shoes such as Cougar Paws).

It's also important to be sure that you don't overtax your home's electrical system. Modern LED Christmas lights are much more energy-efficient than the old incandescent lights, but you'll still want to keep an eye on electrical loads. You can do that with tools such as a Kill A Watt Meter.

Call in the Christmas Decorating Pros

If you want to find success in your local community lighting contest, but don't want to endure the risks or tedium of performing the installation yourself, hire a pro to design and install your display (if your community's rules permit - most do).

And if you just need some tips or advice on designing or installing your display, the professionals at Christmas Designers are always happy to help.

Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Community Christmas lighting contests can be a lot of fun for everyone involved. It's a wonderful way to spread the cheer and joy of the Christmas spirit. And some communities have developed quite a reputation over the years for always having lots of breathtaking, awe-inspiring displays. Countless visitors travel many miles to view these beautiful displays year in and year out.

It's all about the fun, the sense of community, and sharing the Christmas spirit. Whether you ultimately win or lose, simply taking part in the competition can be a lot of fun and an excellent way to spend more time with your family, friends, and community. But that first-place trophy sure would look good on your fireplace mantle right next to those Christmas stockings.

How to Win a Christmas Decorating Contest in Your Neighborhood

Christmas Designers is here to help you win your community Christmas lights contest this year. With an extensive selection of commercial Christmas lights and Christmas decorations, we have everything you’ll need to be the envy of your neighbors this holiday season. With both indoor and outdoor pro-grade Christmas decorations, we can help you transform your home or office into something magical.

Contact us at any time with questions or to learn more about our full line of holiday products. Call us toll-free at (855) 464 6665 or check out our YouTube channel for more personal Christmas experience ideas.